The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, has arrested a 21-year-old suspected vandal in connection with the attempted vandalism and theft of armoured cables attached to a KEDCO transformer at Dantanoma Quarters, Gumel Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Africans& Diaspora
The incident occurred at about 0420 hours on Monday, 21st September 2026, following a distress call from a concerned resident who alerted NSCDC personnel in Gumel to the presence of suspected vandals operating around the transformer installation.
Acting promptly on the information, the Gumel Divisional Officer, CSC Bashir Ya’u, mobilised personnel of the Division and the Anti-Vandalism Squad to the location.
Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the suspects allegedly attempting to gain access to the transformer. One of the suspects, identified as Mubarak Adamu, aged 21, was apprehended, while two others escaped and are currently being pursued by the Corps.
The spokesperson for the command, ASC, Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, September 22 said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly used a cutlass to cut and dismantle the protective wire fence around the transformer, thereby gaining access to the armoured cables.
Three armoured cables, measuring approximately 15 metres, with an estimated value of N2 million, were recovered from the scene.
During interrogation, the arrested suspect allegedly provided information on other individuals believed to be connected with the vandalism.
He mentioned Musa and Binya, who are currently at large, as alleged accomplices, while Umar Fagge Babban Layi was mentioned as an alleged receiver and buyer of vandalised cables.
The suspect also allegedly disclosed his involvement with Yusuf Asake, who is currently in custody, in previous acts of vandalism.
Further information obtained during the investigation indicates that the suspects may have been involved in the vandalism of metal materials at the Government Technical School, Gumel.
The suspect also allegedly disclosed that members of the same group were involved in the vandalism of a transformer at the Dan Modi Housing Estate, Gumel, before they were chased away by NSCDC personnel.
The State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, commended the resident whose timely information contributed to the successful operation.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly electricity installations, from vandals and other criminal elements.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely, accurate and credible information on suspicious activities around critical infrastructure to the Corps.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and unravel the full extent of their alleged involvement in the vandalism of critical infrastructure within the area.
The Command assures members of the public that all suspects will be accorded due process and prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.
